End-of-Life Care Flashcards

Decreased urine output and dark-colored urine near the end of life usually indicate:

Answer: Normal physiological changes as the body shuts down

As a patient nears death, the kidneys slow down, resulting in decreased and more concentrated (darker) urine output, which is a normal part of the dying process.

What does it mean when a hospice patient is in the 'actively dying' phase?

Answer: The patient is in the final hours to days of life with significant physiological changes

The 'actively dying' phase refers to the final hours to days before death, characterized by major physiological changes such as changes in breathing, circulation, and consciousness.

Hearing is believed to be one of the last senses to fade. How does this affect nursing assistant care?

Answer: The nursing assistant should speak softly, identify themselves, and offer comforting words

Because hearing may persist even when the patient is unresponsive, nursing assistants should speak gently, identify themselves, and offer words of comfort to the patient.

Which of the following is an appropriate way to support the family during the active dying phase?

Answer: Educate the family about what to expect and encourage them to stay if they wish

Educating family about the dying process and encouraging their presence helps reduce fear and allows them to support their loved one during this critical time.

What is 'palliative sedation'?

Answer: The use of sedative medications to reduce intractable suffering in terminally ill patients near death

Palliative sedation involves administering sedatives to reduce consciousness and relieve refractory suffering in terminally ill patients when other symptom management has failed.

Cultural awareness in end-of-life care is important because:

Answer: Cultural beliefs affect how patients and families experience grief, rituals, and death

Cultural beliefs, values, and practices strongly influence how patients and families understand death, grieve, and perform rituals—nursing assistants must be respectful and aware.